National Action for Quality Education in Zambia [NAQEZ] would like to passionately appeal
to the Minister of General Education,Mr.David Mabumba,to swiftly intervene in the divisive
bus project in Muchinga Province.
NAQEZ has irrefutable evidence that the office of the Provincial Education Officer [P.E.O]
has asked all teachers in the province to contribute money for the purpose of buying 2 buses
for her office.
Many teachers in the province feel that asking them to buy buses for the P.E.O is not their
responsibility and that if the P.E.O will be allowed to go ahead and levy teachers, it will set a
very bad precedence and ultimately demoralize teachers in Muchinga province.
NAQEZ is very disappointed with the Muchinga provincial Union leadership for abandoning
their members. Their reaction to our media statement is in very bad taste and has clearly
shown that these leaders have completely forgotten their main role of representing teachers.
The 5 teacher unions in Muchinga are busy encouraging teachers in the province to part away
with their hard earned money for the purpose of buying 2 buses for the P.E.O.This single act
by few union leaders in Muchinga greatly defeats the purpose of unionism and is a huge
indictment on the caliber of our union leaders. How can teachers be asked to buy buses for the
ministry?
We appeal to our unionists in Muchinga to deeply reflect on their actions. It is our considered
view that our teachers deserve respect and dignity. They need better representation and
services from their unions. We will not keep mute when teachers are being abused. One of our
mandates as an organization is to promote good conditions and better working environments
for teachers.
NAQEZ truly believes that teachers are the engines that drive the entire education system in
the country. And instead of being asked to donate for things they are not responsible for, we
demand that teachers in the country are treated well and given the respect due to them.
On the other hand, we commend the Teaching Council of Zambia [TCZ] for extending the
period in which teachers must be able to pay for their practicing certificates, from 31st May
2018 to 31st July 2018.NAQEZ ,however, feels that the extension should have gone up to
December,2018.
We again appeal to the council to allow our teachers to pay these exorbitant fees in
installments. The installment system will make it easier for all teachers to pay without
difficulties.
Issued by:
AARON CHANSA
NAQEZ Executive Director
0979 552885/ 0969 896491